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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2013 Oct;14(5):489-96.
doi: 10.1007/s11121-012-0325-y.

A profile for predicting attrition from exercise in older adults

Sean P Mullen  1 , Thomas R Wójcicki, Emily L Mailey, Amanda N Szabo, Neha P Gothe, Erin A Olson, Jason Fanning, Arthur Kramer, Edward McAuley
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A profile for predicting attrition from exercise in older adults

Sean P Mullen et al. Prev Sci. 2013 Oct.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine a profile for predicting attrition among older adults involved in a 12-month exercise program. The parent study was a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. The study took place between 2006 and 2009 within a university setting. Older adults (N = 179) completed baseline assessments of functional performance and psychosocial measures. Participants who were randomized, elected to receive treatment, and did not complete the exercise program were considered "dropouts" (n = 35). Those who completed the program (n = 144) were classified as "completers." A latent profile analysis revealed two distinct patterns of memory complaints, self-efficacy to overcome barriers to exercise, balance performance, and stair performance. Dropouts were nearly twice as likely to be members of the profile that exhibited a higher degree of memory complaints, lower self-efficacy for overcoming exercise barriers, poorer single leg balance, and longer times to walk down stairs. The results provide an initial validation of a profile for discriminating between "dropouts" and "completers," one that may have considerable utility for screening older adults prior to study entry.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00438347.

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